Inspiration

Birth Stories

Kate

Katherine (Kate) Ward S. was born at 5:04 am on March 20. She weighed in at 8 lbs 6 ozs and she's doing just great. Here's her birth story.

As you may recall my doula had traveled to Jamaica for spring break and I was nervous that she might miss the delivery.To make a long story short Stephanie's flight home was delayed. She called me from the airport in Philly around 9 pm on March 19 (my due date) telling me she would be back in Richmond around 11 pm. I guess that's what Kate was waiting for. My contractions started shortly after I talked to Stephanie!

I went to bed around 11 pm after leaving a message for Stephanie letting her know I was in labor. Around 1:00 am the contractions became more regular and starting getting my attention. My husband, Sam, got up around 2:30 and was alarmed at how close my contractions were. He insisted that we head to the hospital not willing to take any chances that I might deliver the baby at home.

We arrived at St Mary's just after 3 am. Stephanie met us there and our doctor was on call so everything was in place for Kate's arrival. When the my doctor examined me I was already 7 cm dilated so I was thrilled. The nurse, Jackie, hooked me up to a monitor for the first twenty minutes but after that I was free to move around. I labored primarily on the birthing ball (a wonderful tool!) and at some point Jackie asked me to stand up so she could get a heart rate on the baby. As I stood she put the Doppler on my stomach but I began to have a contraction so I asked her to give me a minute. During that contraction I felt the baby descending - it was clear to me that Kate was on her way. I jumped up onto the hospital bed as best I could and ended up at an angle half way on and off the bed. Jackie tore those little mesh panties off my body and Sam hit the call button for the doctor. As you might imagine it was a bit of pandemonium - the baby was half way in and half way out. It was a good thing I was wearing those mesh panties or the baby might have hit the floor! The doctor rushed in and completed the delivery - it was over in no time. I was at the hospital less than two hours before Kate was born.

Thanks so much for the wisdom and advice. I am a true believer that practicing yoga made the pregnancy and birth experience that much easier. I attached a couple of photos of my boys and Kate above. I just love the shot of Mason and Bo's first look at their new sister.

— Rita S. (Thursday 4:30 pm class)

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